Stories for 2019

Thursday, May 9th 2019 - 06:52 UTC
What could dilute the EU, populism or the lack of a unifying external threat?

By Gwynne Dyer - For the second time in a month, a member country of the European Union has NOT voted a populist into power. Could it be that the populist wave has broken?
Thursday, May 9th 2019 - 06:17 UTC
Meet Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have named their newborn son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. Introducing him to the cameras earlier in the day, Meghan said: “He has the sweetest temperament, he's really calm. He's been the dream.” As they laughed, Prince Harry said: “I don't know who he gets that from.”
Wednesday, May 8th 2019 - 12:54 UTC
IMF mission arrives in Argentina: Central bank policy, inflation and revenue in the agenda

A new IMF mission is expected in Argentina this e Wednesday for the fourth review of the country's economic plan which is supported by a 36 month stand-by credit from the multilateral financial institution. It's the first IMF visit since Argentina's Central Bank major strategy change in the foreign exchange market to avoid another meltdown of the Argentine currency.
Wednesday, May 8th 2019 - 12:31 UTC
Security minister announces Argentine forces are allowed to use tasers

Argentine federal police and security forces will now be allowed to use non-lethal weapons like electric tasers, following a Security Ministry decree signed on Monday. Officers will “be able to deal with situations” which do not require the use of force “without employing firearms,” the decree reads.
Wednesday, May 8th 2019 - 09:59 UTC
Falklands' veteran discharged because of his sexuality suing MoD for the return of his medals

A Falklands veteran forced out of the Royal Navy over his sexuality plans to sue for the return of military honours. Joe Ousalice, 68, served for nearly 18 years but was discharged in 1993 when there was a ban on LGBT people serving in the armed forces.
Wednesday, May 8th 2019 - 09:58 UTC
Bolsonaro signs decree making it easier to own, carry and import weapons

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro signed a decree on Tuesday making it easier for gun enthusiasts to own, carry and import weapons in one of the world's deadliest countries. Beaming members of Congress and industry lobbyists clapped and made pistol signs with their hands as the ex-army captain relaxed rules that critics fear could pave the way for the carrying of weapons in the streets.
Wednesday, May 8th 2019 - 09:57 UTC
UK “regrettably” has to participate in the EU elections, admits Mrs. May deputy

The United Kingdom will have to hold European elections, despite hopes from the government a Brexit deal would be done by then, says the PM's de facto deputy. The vote is due on 23 May, but Theresa May said the UK would not have to take part if MPs agreed with a Brexit plan first.
Wednesday, May 8th 2019 - 09:56 UTC
US lifts sanctions on Venezuelan general who broke ranks from Maduro's regime

The US has lifted sanctions on a Venezuelan general who broke ranks from the Nicolás Maduro regime, saying it hoped it would push others to follow. Vice-President Mike Pence on Tuesday said the US would “consider sanctions relief for all those who step up”.
Wednesday, May 8th 2019 - 09:56 UTC
US objections to climate change derail Arctic nations joint statement

US objections to the wording on climate change prevented Arctic nations signing a joint statement at a summit in Finland, delegates said. It is the first time such a statement has been cancelled since the Arctic Council was set up in 1996.
Wednesday, May 8th 2019 - 09:54 UTC
Brazilian military caution Bolsonaro on the extreme views of the influential “Trotsky of the right”

The growing differences between members of the military and the so-called ideological faction of Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro’s government prompted a reaction from a retired Army High Commander--Eduardo Villas Bôas—who considers the president to be absent in the dispute and wants to limit what he sees as institutional disrespect.